Second World War V2 rocket dug up near Marden in Kent

A pair of brothers who dedicate their time to digging up the past have excavated a Second World War V2 bomb crater.

Colin and Sean Welch have been busy at work since Monday at their dig site off Dairy Lane in Chainhurst, near Marden.

The pair of conflict archaeologist, who have been excavating historical sites for almost 15 years, hope their discoveries will help future generations understand the peril Britain faced.

Watch: KMTV reports on the excavation

"We have always been interested in history but for the last 10 or 15 years since my brother retired we have stepped into an archaeological role and we have become more expert in the V-weapon campaign of 1944 and 1945," explained Colin, 57.

"We had the first V2 on September 8, 1944. In total there were 4,816 V1 bombs and 1,119 V2 bombs - what we’re digging up is the V2 rocket which was the first man-made device that went into space.

"This one was fired from The Hague and was supposed to land in London but landed near Marden – a long way off target."

To get to it, they have burrowed down 6.5 metres.

The brothers, angry at negligent detectorists and those who carelessly disturb similar sites of historical military significance, are anxious to do their utmost to treat their excavations as traditional archaeologists would.

A V2 on its mobile launch trailer

They go through all the proper channels, recording every detail of their discovery, and share it with others to contribute to a shared knowledge of the past.

"It’s so important to conduct this study right now as the old generation is dying out," said Colin.

"The actual excavation can do some good in the community and raises awareness of what actually happened in wartime because the missile was capable of killing a lot of people."

The dig has been visited by pupils from Highworth Grammar School for Girls in Ashford and Cornwallis Academy in Maidstone.

Colin and Sean also shared the their progress with children from Marden Primary School over Skype.

The dig is expected to end today.

Colin said: "We want to give special thanks to the Burke family who own the land and have been so supportive."